A significant hoard of nearly 1,400-year-old gold coins and intricate jewelry has been unearthed near the ancient city of Hippos (Sussita) in Israel's Golan Heights. The discovery was made in July 2025 by metal detector operator Edie Lipsman on the slopes overlooking the Sea of Galilee. The treasure comprises 97 gold coins and various pieces of jewelry, which archaeologists believe were hastily buried around 614 AD during the Sasanian Empire's invasions. This find is considered one of the largest Byzantine-era gold hoards discovered on land in the region. Archaeologist Dr. Michael Eisenberg of the University of Haifa noted that it ranks among the top five largest hoards of that period found locally. The combination of jewelry and coins makes the discovery particularly valuable for numismatic study.
The coins span from the reign of Emperor Justin I (518–527 AD) to the early reign of Emperor Heraclius (610–613 AD), including solidi, semisses, and tremisses. A particularly rare tremissis, minted in Cyprus in 610 AD during a rebellion against Emperor Phocas, was also found. This coin is only the second of its kind ever discovered in Israel, adding both historical and numismatic significance. The jewelry, including earrings adorned with pearls and semi-precious stones, suggests that the original owner was a person of considerable wealth. Some coins still bear traces of the fabric in which they were wrapped before being hidden, offering a poignant connection to the anxieties of the era.
The discovery provides a tangible link to a period of immense upheaval. In the 7th century, Hippos found itself at the center of invasions, including the Sasanian conquest in 614 AD, which prompted residents to hide their valuables. Later, by 636 AD, Muslim armies swept through the region, contributing to Hippos’ eventual decline. Dr. Eisenberg highlighted that the early 7th century saw many emergency hoards of gold and bronze coins buried by frightened populations. Dr. Danny Syon, the expedition’s numismatist, described the find as exceptionally rare, significantly enhancing our understanding of the political and economic landscape of Byzantine Galilee.
The hoard offers invaluable insights into the economic, social, and artistic conditions of the time, serving as a reminder of the impermanence of material wealth and the human instinct to safeguard prized possessions during crises. The sophisticated craftsmanship of the jewelry, with its delicate goldwork and combination of pearls and semi-precious stones, reflects the artistic achievements of Byzantine artisans. Further study of the coins and jewelry is expected to provide additional information on trade routes, economic activity, and social structures in this pivotal period of history.